Vern Burklund was born in rural Idaho, June 6, 1920. His parents were farmers, but raised him with solid values in a loving home. Vern was quick to tell friends and family about the down to earth wisdom of his dad's sayings like, "I want to pay for what I get. I want to get what I pay for."

Vern ended up working at Boeing in Seattle because he couldn't pass the physical to enlist in World War II. While at Boeing, he learned that he would have to get more education to advance on the job. So he went back to school and got his engineering degree. Now an engineer, Vern went to work in Ephrata, Washington where he met Eloise Ness. They were married in 1949, and before long the two started their family with Valerie.

The family moved to Kodiak, Alaska and added Terry, Cheryl, and Sharon to the fold. Vern accepted a job at China Lake in 1959. Eloise and Vern loved raising their family in Ridgecrest and enjoyed a rich life together. Eloise preceded Vern, passing away in 2006.

Not to be forgotten are all the friends that meant so much to Vern. Viewing will be Wednesday, August 8th from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at the Masonic Lodge August 9 at 11 a.m. Donations to the American Heart Association in the name of Vern will be most appreciated by his family.